How to File and Manage Claims with National Interstate Insurance Company

Dealing with any insurance claim can be stressful and confusing. When you have a loss, you want your claim handled promptly and fairly so you can get back to business. National Interstate Insurance Company aims to make the claims process as smooth and efficient as possible for policyholders.

This article provides an overview of National Interstate Insurance, the types of claims they handle, how to file a new claim, what to expect during the claims process, and tips for getting the best results when working with National Interstate claims adjusters.

Overview of National Interstate Insurance

National Interstate Insurance Company provides specialized transportation insurance products for commercial accounts across the United States. They are a subsidiary of Great American Insurance Group and are rated “A+” by AM Best.

National Interstate offers customized insurance policies for:

• Trucking companies
• Waste haulers
• Tow trucks
• Crane/rigging operators
• Limousine services
• Bus companies
• Ambulance services
• Moving and storage companies

The company is based in Richfield, OH with branch offices in Hawaii, Alaska and throughout the U.S. They have over 50 years of experience specializing in transportation insurance.

Types of Claims Handled

National Interstate Insurance handles a wide variety of first and third-party claims related to commercial transportation risks including:

• Auto liability claims – bodily injury, property damage
• Collision/comprehensive coverage claims
• Motor truck cargo claims
• General liability claims – slip and fall, property damage
• Professional liability claims
• Workers compensation injuries
• Business interruption claims
• Glass/sign damage claims

Claims can arise from vehicular accidents, work-related injuries, damaged goods, fires, theft and many other causes. National Interstate has dedicated claim teams with specialized expertise relevant to each policy type.

How to File a New Claim with National Interstate

National Interstate offers several easy options to report a new claim:

• Phone – Call 800-929-1500 or 800-316-9167 (Hawaii office) to speak with a claims representative 24/7

• Online – Claims can be reported directly on the National Interstate website

• Mobile App – Download the NI Claims App on Google Play or the App Store to report a claim on your mobile device

• Email – Send details to [email protected] or [email protected]

No matter how you report the claim, be prepared to provide:

• Your policy number
• Date, time and location of loss
• Details about what happened
• Police report case number if applicable
• Contact information for witnesses if available

The more details you can provide upfront, the faster the claims process will move.

What to Expect After Reporting Your Claim

Here is an overview of what you can expect after reporting a claim to National Interstate:

• Prompt contact – A claims representative will contact you within 1 business day to acknowledge the claim and explain next steps.

• Assignment – The claim is assigned to a specific adjuster who will manage it to completion. You will receive the adjuster’s direct contact information.

• Investigation – The adjuster will investigate the facts. This may include inspecting damage, requesting documentation, obtaining police reports, and interviewing witnesses.

• Liability decision – The adjuster will make a coverage determination and liability decision for who is responsible and to what extent based on policy language and investigation findings.

• Resolution – Once liability is established, the adjuster will work promptly to settle the claim through either 1) payment for repairs, replacement cost or loss of use or 2) denial if damages fall outside policy coverage.

• Communication – Throughout the process the adjuster will keep you informed through your preferred method – phone, email, etc.

• Fast payment – National Interstate prides itself on quick claim payments once all needed information is obtained.

Tips for Working with National Interstate Adjusters

Follow these tips to help facilitate a smooth claim process with your National Interstate adjuster:

• Provide documentation promptly when asked. This may include repair estimates, medical records, photos, purchase receipts, etc.

• Be clear about your preferred contact method and best hours to reach you. Respond to the adjuster’s inquiries in a timely manner.

• Keep a record of all claim communications including date, names and details of discussions.

• Avoid accepting early settlement offers. Fully understand what you are entitled to under the policy before agreeing to a number.

• Ask questions and make sure you understand the adjuster’s explanations about the claim decision, liability findings, settlement breakdowns, etc.

• If you disagree with a coverage or liability decision, calmly explain why and provide any additional evidence you have.

• For complex claims, consider hiring a public adjuster or attorney to represent your interests during the claim.

• Promptly deposit any claim checks you receive. Notify the adjuster if you do not receive payment within 30 days of settlement.

Following these tips can help you effectively communicate with National Interstate claims representatives and secure optimal claim settlements.

Additional Claim Resources

National Interstate offers these additional resources related to the claims process:

• WC EDI – Medical providers can submit workers comp bills electronically through the Worker’s Compensation Electronic Data Interchange (WCEDI).

• Direct Deposit – Injured workers can sign up to receive workers comp indemnity payments via direct deposit using the NY WC-26 form.

• NI Claims App – The free app allows policyholders to report claims, upload photos/documents, view claim status and communicate with adjusters.

• Claims eService – This online portal lets registered users check claim status, make updates, and communicate with claims staff.

Leveraging these tools provides added convenience when managing claims with National Interstate.

Get Specialized Transportation Claims Expertise

Filing an insurance claim is often unavoidable when running a commercial transportation business. National Interstate has over 50 years of expertise handling specialized claims that typically result from trucks, cranes, tow trucks, buses and other fleet vehicles. Their experienced claims adjusters aim to provide world-class service when investigating your loss, determining liability, and settling your claim. Utilize the tips in this article to get the claim payment you are entitled to while staying focused on operating your business.